National Railway Museum

Leeman Rd York YO26 4XJ

The NRM is York’s top tourist destination, and rightly so. Even if your feelings towards trains are at best lukewarm, you can’t help but admire the sheer size of these locomotives and the mind-boggling development of the railway, from its steamy humble beginnings embodied in Stephenson’s replica, The Rocket, all the way to the Japanese Bullet train and Eurostar. The museum is made up of a series of gigantic halls, filled with shiny engines and railway paraphernalia; highlights include Queen Victoria’s favourite carriage and the wonderful Art Deco 'Duchess of Hamilton'. There are family-focused events and activities throughout the day, such as steam rides, quizzes and storytelling.